Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

April 17, 2025 – Bahamian and Turks and Caicos travelers and other foreigners heading to the United States are being strongly advised to rethink what they post online, as new U.S. immigration measures take aim at antisemitic content and behavior.

This warning is just that and despite widespread reports, seemingly aimed at fearmongering, the US has informed that there is no ban on Caribbean people travelling to the States.

According to Citizen X, the origin of the concern is linked to credible media houses posting reports on a leaked list of 43 countries under review for “potential travel restrictions.”

Among them: Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia.

“Eastern Caribbean States: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia are under a 60-day review period to address U.S. concerns about their citizenship-by-investment programs or potentially face visa restrictions,” explained the report.

But the U.S. State Department said in response to questions, “a review is not a ban.”

As of April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will now screen social media for signs of antisemitism when evaluating immigration applications—including visas, green cards, and student permits. According to DHS, any content that appears to support or promote antisemitic ideologies or terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthis may be used to deny entry or immigration benefits.

Here is What You Should Not Do:

1. Do not post or share antisemitic content online. This includes memes, hashtags, retweets, or posts—past or present—that can be interpreted as supporting antisemitic rhetoric or violence.
2. Do not associate with antisemitic groups or protests. Online or physical association with groups flagged for antisemitism could raise red flags during border screening or immigration reviews.
3. Do not assume freedom of speech protects you abroad. While the First Amendment protects speech for U.S. citizens, it does not apply to foreign nationals seeking entry. The U.S. government has made it clear: advocating antisemitic views, even online, can lead to denial of entry or immigration benefits.
4. Do not delete your social media without understanding the consequences. Attempts to erase content may be viewed with suspicion. Authorities often use digital footprints in discretionary reviews, so transparency matters.
5. Do not ignore this new policy. Whether traveling as a tourist, student, or on business, your online activity is now part of your travel profile.

The U.S. Travel Association informs, this position has impacted travel decisions in the double digits.  Canada and Europeans are particularly coy.

The Toronto Star reports: On Tuesday, the Canadian Association of University Teachers issued a travel advisory to its members that “strongly recommends” Canadian academic staff travel to the United States only if necessary.

The CAUT represents 72,000 teachers, librarians, researchers, general staff and other academic professionals at some 125 universities and colleges across the country.

The increased scrutiny is compounded say some news reports by the so called, ‘trade war’

and tariff changes by the Trump Administration.

Yahoo!News: “Travellers from western Europe who stayed at least one night in the US fell by 17 per cent in March from a year ago, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). US tourism from countries such as Ireland, Norway and Germany fell by more than a fifth in the same period.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials say this measure is in line with broader efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. Bahamians planning to travel or study in the U.S. are urged to audit their online presence and avoid engaging in or endorsing any form of hate speech.

In short, stay informed, stay respectful, and stay cautious—both online and offline.

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

April 16, 2025 – New York, USA – CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has issued a renewed call for reparatory justice for Haiti, describing it as a central focus of the region’s reparations campaign. Speaking at the Fourth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Dr. Barnett highlighted the historical and ongoing injustices stemming from the 1825 indemnity France imposed on Haiti.

“April 2025 marks 200 years since France demanded 150 million Francs from Haiti as reparations for lost property, including enslaved Africans,” Dr. Barnett stated. “This precondition for recognising Haitian independence has had lasting economic and social consequences that still impact Haiti today.”

She praised the Forum for spotlighting Haiti during its closing session, framing the bicentenary as a chance to raise global awareness and push for action to address Haiti’s ongoing crises in security, governance, and humanitarian needs.

“Given the insightful conclusions and recommendations from the previous Sessions, and the transformative agenda which it has been promoting within the framework of the United Nations, we support the call for greater resources for the Permanent Forum to continue to effectively address its important agenda.

Systemic inequality, racial discrimination, and reparatory justice for the global African community continue to be priority areas to be addressed during the Second Decade.”

Dr. Barnett also addressed the broader reparations agenda, commending the partnership between CARICOM and the African Union. She emphasized shared priorities including economic, digital, and racial justice, particularly in the context of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, she warned of deepening inequities that could leave people of African descent behind. “We must invest in digital literacy and innovation to ensure fair access and inclusive development,” she urged.

Highlighting upcoming initiatives, Dr. Barnett expressed anticipation for the Second CARICOM-AU Summit in Ethiopia this September, as both regions work toward a common vision of justice and prosperity.

“The call for reparatory justice is not just about the past—it’s a call for equitable development, recognition, and repair,” she concluded.

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, April 9th, 2025 – The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (MECYS) has formally handed over the first out of thirteen sport facilities under her authority by signing the respective repair agreements as part of the Emergency Recovery Project I (ERP-I).

The facilities to be renovated include the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, Jose Lake John Cooper Ball Park, Dutch Quarter Basketball Court, and others. This effort is part of a larger Trust Fund initiative to restore 12 school gyms and 13 sports facilities across the island, enhancing resilience and sustainability.

The agreements, signed by Minister of ECYS Melissa D. Gumbs and NRPB Director Claret Connor, ensure that repairs will proceed under structured oversight. The contractor appointed by the NRPB will execute the work, with quality control and adherence to timelines overseen by an engineering firm. The contractor has already taken possession of two facilities in Cole Bay and Cay Bay, marking the start of the physical work.

Minister Gumbs emphasized the significance of well-maintained sports centers in these localities: “These facilities are more than just buildings—they are community anchors where young people develop discipline, teamwork, and pride. Ensuring their full restoration is not only a matter of infrastructure but of national development. The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to providing safe, accessible, and high-quality spaces that support the well-being and aspirations of our athletes, students, and surrounding communities.”

NRPB Director Claret Connor noted that the project plays a critical role in Sint Maarten’s recovery and long-term resilience. “These repairs will not only extend the lifespan of the facilities but also contribute to the well-being of the community.”

The project is being implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, funded by the Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

Photo Caption: 

1st insert: Contractors on site at the basketball court in Cay Bay

2nd insert: Fencing surrounding the basketball court in Cole Bay INSET BOTTOM: